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Question:

Which are the best pointe shoes and how do I get the right fit? Sally

Answer:

There is no 'best' pointe shoe it is all a matter of choice and preference for a style. I often feel Gamba suits a larger foot whilst Freeds are ideal for the smaller foot, Porselli are ideal if your foot is very narrow. The best way is to try different shoes and see which is the most comfortable - don't be afraid to use 'lambs wool' to start with or plaster on your toes, blisters are not nice and unnecessary.

Another point of interest is the size is usually the same or 1/2 a size smaller than your normal outdoor shoe. Your foot needs to be held comfortably without a lot of space for movement which will cause blisters and slipping. If the heel tends to slip off rather than sew loops I prefer to dampen the back of the inside fabric of the shoe with water this will help it grip and stay on.

Always darn your shoes it does help prolong their life and stop slipping.

If your toes hurt use a little lambs wool to protect against blisters - gel inserts are not a good idea. Or use elastoplast to protect toes.

A small amount Shellac poured inside the shoe over the canvas then allowed to dry thoroughly when toes are going soft is another way of prolonging their life as well.

Always air your shoes thoroughly after each class.

How to tie ballet shoes

Put the shoe on your foot. Take the inside ribbon first and cross it over the arch of your foot and wrap around your ankle completely finishing at the inside of the ankle just before the ankle bone. Hold this ribbon firmly and take the outside ribbon and wrap across the arch of your foot and all around your ankle crossing over the other ribbon and finishing at the same point. Both ribbons should be lying smooth over your foot. Tie a double knot on the inside of your ankle and tuck the spare ribbon away - cut this to about 2-3 inches length if the ribbon is quite long. Never tie to tight so your ankle is restricted, when tying your pointe shoe follow the same proceedure but often it is more comfortable and secure if you tie whilst your foot is in the en-pointe position. If your shoes slip at the back dont use elastic to hold them on try dampening the heel fabric inside this usually stops slipping.

Question:

I was a point dancer many, many years ago. Now I am doing a play and need to have pink ballet point shoes. I have them - but unsure of how to put the ribbons on. Please forward me a diagram of how to do this!
Many thanks, Mary Richard

Answer:

You will find written instructions above but for those who would also like to see the processes in action there are these examples you will find on UTube.

tieing ballet shoes - sewing on the ribbons